Events in 2014

Events in 2014

New modelsNo less than 17 models and derivatives with the Four Rings emblem were launched in 2014. This started with three premieres at the Geneva International Motor Show in early March: The Audi S3 Cabriolet, the first open compact car from Audi with quattro, the Audi S1 and the main highlight: the new-generation Audi TT. These are three very different automobiles combining fascinating dynamism with the emotive factor.

The Audi TT is the epitome of an authentic design icon and a driving machine with top performance. With the new generation, the car’s technology will become even more tangible for the driver, as one expects from a genuine sports car. Offering engine power of 135 to 169 kilowatts (184 to 230 horsepower) and 228 kW (310 hp) with the Audi TTS, the design icon finally qualifies as a high-performance sports car with its lightweight aluminum-hybrid body structure and its high-tech suspension.

Despite a clear increase in driving performance, the model’s efficiency has been improved considerably: The 135 kW (184 hp) 2.0-liter TDI requires just 4.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers according to the NEDC. The fully programmable display of the Audi TT has been highly praised by the trade press; the Audi virtual cockpit has a TFT screen that presents crisp and clear graphics calculated by the onboard system. The driver can alternate between a traditional view with a sophisticated depiction of round instruments and an infotainment-oriented layout with an extensive display area for lists and maps – all conveniently controlled from the steering wheel.

With the Audi S1, a quattro version has now entered Audi’s smallest model series. Available as a two-door or a Sportback, the Audi S1 is powered by a 170 kW (231 hp) 2.0-liter TFSI, whose strong torque is converted into inexorable forwards motion thanks to permanent all-wheel drive.

Within the Audi product portfolio, the ultra models are particularly focused on efficiency; by the end of 2014, the number of these models had increased to over 30. Nearly all Audi model series offer ultra versions, which feature exemplary fuel consumption and extremely low CO2 emissions. The best example is the Audi A3 1.6 TDI ultra, which consumes an average of just 3.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometer, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 85 g/km.

Several of Audi’s volume model series were thoroughly rejuvenated in 2014: The A1, A6, A7 and the SUV bestseller Audi Q3 were launched with new engines and numerous other technical innovations. They all now have the current generation of driver-assistance systems and connectivity technology. Due not least to collaboration with leading companies in the electronics industry, including Google and Apple, a new Audi is literally a “mobile device.” It is connected seamlessly and in real time. In terms of connectivity, Audi sets standards in the entire automotive industry, also to the benefit of traffic flow and traffic safety.

Audi is also the global leader for lighting technology, as was proven once again in 2014 with the debut of the first laser headlight in a series-produced automobile. Tested in endurance racing and used for the high beam, the new technology is a clear improvement in terms of lighting efficiency and range – advantages that are particularly useful in such a fast automobile as the Audi R8 LMX, in which these headlights were applied for the first time.

Motorsport Audi recorded some special highlights in international motorsport in 2014 with victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (France), on the Nürburgring (Germany) and in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). In DTM, the popular international touring-car series, Audi took the coveted manufacturer’s title.

With the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, the Audi drivers won the most important race of the WEC season (World Endurance Championship): the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After entering a total of 16 Le Mans races, the Audi Sport team celebrated its 13th triumph last year, for the third time in succession with a hybrid racing car and quattro drive.

In the DTM series, the Audi drivers with the Audi RS 5 DTM collected the most points over the season, so the brand with the Four Rings took the title of best manufacturer at the end of the season.

Apart from the victories in the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and in Spa, the teams from Audi Sport customer racing also look back on a successful season. The private Audi teams won a total of 15 championships with the Audi R8 LMS.

Sport involvementFrom international soccer to the German Olympics team, the Kiel Week sailing regatta and the world’s most popular tournament series for amateur golfers, the Audi quattro Cup, Audi is a reliable partner and a promoter of national and international sport with wide-ranging involvement. For more than 30 years, AUDI AG has been the main sponsor of the German Skiing Association, including all of the German national teams, and of another 16 national skiing teams from other countries. Audi is also the title sponsor of the Audi FIS Skiing World Cup and of the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup, a partner of the World Cup in the Nordic Combination, the Ski Jumping and Cross Country Skiing World Cup, and the presenting partner of the Alpine Skiing World Championship in Vail in 2015 and in St. Moritz in 2017. Audi is a partner of the German Olympic Sports Association and of the German Handicapped Transport Association, and provides cars for the use of the IOC (International Olympic Committee). For 15 years now, Audi and Germany’s record champion soccer team FC Bayern Munich have been on the ball together. Internationally, Audi is involved with top teams such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea FC. The Kiel Week – the world’s biggest sailing event – was part of the calendar last year, as was the Audi Football Summit with FC Bayern in New York and the world final of the Audi quattro Cup in Dubai. Audi’s sporting involvement in 2014 was rounded off by support for German ice-hockey champion ERC Ingolstadt and the leading soccer team at the winter break of Germany’s second Bundesliga division FC Ingolstadt 04, as well as support for regional sports events in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

Further information about the official fuel consumption figures and official, specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the “Guide to fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electricity consumption of new cars,” which is available free of charge from all sales outlets and from DAT (Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH), Hellmuth-Hirth-Strasse 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, Germany (http://www.dat.de).